Emotional Loeb pays tribute to Citroen

An emotional Sebastien Loeb was thankful to Citroen after finishing his full-time involvement in the World Rally Championship with victory in Spain.

Loeb will contest a selected programme of rallies next season, but the ninth successive WRC title he celebrated this year will be his last.

There were emotional scenes at the team as the end of an era arrived with Loeb's 76th career win on the Salou-based WRC finale.

Loeb said: "I have to say a big thank you to everybody in the team, I'm pleased to finish the season and - more or less - my career with a win.

"For sure, the situation is a bit strange to know that I won nine titles in a row and now decided to retire."

The Frenchman admitted to mixed emotions at the end, having driven for the Citroen team for the last 11 years, but he pointed out that the coming World Touring Car Championship entry would keep him busy.

"It's strange," he said, "but on the other side I know I still have some rallies next year and some more plans with Citroen in some other discipline.

"Thank you for everything we have achieved together.

"This marks the close of one chapter, but we have another ahead of us that is about to begin."